Iskender Kebab is a robust dish with strips of meaty lamb doner, brightly acidic warm tomato sauce, and tart cool yogurt, all tossed with bread cubes—a riot of bright contrasts amid the general subtlety of wholesomeness. More

Amidst the flurry of re-imagined diners, City Dough stands as one of the best examples of the template. From the polished, sunny vibe to the jovial servers and heartwarming, heart attack-inducing menu, the restaurant is what diner dreams are made of. More

This comfortable, crafty addition to East Lakeview could very well be the new quintessential Chicago brunch haven, not terribly crowded, accessible and comforting to all, with a menu rife with decadent and inventive American brunch fare. More

Extra creamy and creatively flavored, Jeni's has a remarkably ability to make other ice cream seem one dimensional—like it's missing something. Though Jeni's has been shipping to Chicago for years, I was still excited when the company announced plans for a permanent scoop shop in Lakeview. More

As with any good American comfort food spot, the brunch menu at Hutch is borderline overkill. It toes the line between heinously indulgent and "oh, wouldn't it be cute to try croissant French toast?" More

Sometimes a fish sandwich, while great, is so covered in fried batter that you don't really feel like you're eating fish at all. This is not one of those sandwiches. Instead, the fish sandwich ($14) at Hutch is the kind that keeps it simple. More

Thanks to the delicately breaded and fried shrimp, it's lighter than most banh mi I've tried. The menu says this one doesn't have the Korean red pepper aioli, but it was totally on mine and I count as a victory. More

As far as I'm concerned, a salad can only be improved by addition of meat, or, better yet, something fried--anything, really, to remove the notion that I'm eating something vaguely positive for my arteries. So the Crispy Onchoy Salad ($12) at Andy's Thai Kitchen in Lakeview is basically my dream dish. More

The Bentley Tavern, opening in Lakeview next week, is inspired by classic Manhattan (think Lexington Brass), as evidenced by the raw bar with East Coast oysters and subway tile decor. Executive chef Ian Flower wants the restaurant to be a charming, approachable neighborhood destination. More